Final answer:
Gene should listen actively and respectfully to the resident's story about their last religious service without imposing his own beliefs. This approach maintains a professional and compassionate caregiver-patient relationship and respects the resident's needs and experiences.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the scenario where a CNA named Gene is conversing with a resident about their last religious service, Gene's best response is to C) Listen actively and respectfully to the resident's story without imposing his own beliefs. This approach ensures that the resident feels heard and respected in sharing their experiences, which is crucial in providing professional and compassionate care. The focus should be on the resident's needs and providing a supportive environment, rather than on the caregiver's personal beliefs. Supporting a healthy dialogue about such sensitive matters reinforces the respect for diversity and the importance of personalized care. If Gene were to choose options A, B, or D, it could be perceived as dismissive or disrespectful of the resident’s values and potentially cause harm to the therapeutic relationship they share.